Behavior Change

Tools and Approaches

Doer/Non-doer Tool for Program Planning

This formative research tool helps program planners design a "process model" of their intervention. The tool simplifies more complex behavioral-science research methodologies to help identify the factors most influential in bringing about adoption of a particular behavior. The methodology draws on the basic premise that in order to change behavior, it is necessary to understand why people behave the way they do. An "elicitation survey" includes six open-ended questions that explore the range of determinants for a specific behavior. Analysis focuses on the ways in which "doers" of the behavior are different from "non-doers," in order to identify the key factors associated with its adoption.

Program managers can use the results in a number of ways:

• developing or modifying existing activities to address the key factors that affect preventive behaviors;
• designing messages that are relevant to an audience;
• preparing counseling sessions to address key factors; and
• training staff to understand some of the issues around behavior change for the various people they serve.

This methodology was first developed as part of a national program to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV among young Americans. Results were used to guide the development of national prevention activities geared towards heterosexual, white and African Americans, 18-25 years old. Surveys based on this approach have since been conducted in both U.S. and international settings, focusing on a number of health behaviors.